1
|
Feng Y, Ren Y, Zhang X, Yang S, Jiao Q, Li Q, Jiang W. Metabolites of traditional Chinese medicine targeting PI3K/AKT signaling pathway for hypoglycemic effect in type 2 diabetes. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1373711. [PMID: 38799166 PMCID: PMC11116707 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1373711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by insulin resistance, with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Due to the tightly intertwined connection between the insulin resistance pathway and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway and its associated targets is essential for hypoglycemia and the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus. In recent years, metabolites isolated from traditional Chinese medicine has received more attention and acceptance for its superior bioactivity, high safety, and fewer side effects. Meanwhile, numerous in vivo and in vitro studies have revealed that the metabolites present in traditional Chinese medicine possess better bioactivities in regulating the balance of glucose metabolism, ameliorating insulin resistance, and preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In this article, we reviewed the literature related to the metabolites of traditional Chinese medicine improving IR and possessing therapeutic potential for type 2 diabetes mellitus by targeting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, focusing on the hypoglycemic mechanism of the metabolites of traditional Chinese medicine in type 2 diabetes mellitus and elaborating on the significant role of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in type 2 diabetes mellitus. In order to provide reference for clinical prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Wenwen Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zang L, Fu D, Zhang F, Li N, Ma X. Tenuigenin activates the IRS1/Akt/mTOR signaling by blocking PTPN1 to inhibit autophagy and improve locomotor recovery in spinal cord injury. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 317:116841. [PMID: 37355079 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Tenuigenin (TEN) is a main pharmacologically active component of Polygala tenuifolia Willd. (Polygalaceae), which has shown neuroprotective functions in Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, TEN also demonstrated an anti-oxidative impact in an in vitro model of Parkinson's disease, reducing damage and loss of dopaminergic neurons. AIM This work focuses on the impact of TEN on locomotor recovery following spinal cord injury (SCI) and underpinning molecules involved. METHODS A rat model of SCI was generated, and the rats were treated with TEN, oe-PTPN1 (PTP non-receptor type 1), a protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) antagonist LY294002, or an autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA). Subsequently, locomotor function was detected. Pathological changes and neuronal activity in the spinal cord tissues were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, Nissl staining, and TUNEL assays. Protein expression of Beclin-1 and microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta (LC3B)-II/LC3B-I, PTPN1, IRS1, mTOR, and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) was analyzed by western blot assays. The LC3B expression was further examined by immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS Treatment with TEN restored the locomotor function of SCI rats, reduced the cavity area and cell apoptosis, upregulated growth-associated protein 43 and neurofilament 200, and decreased the Beclin-1 and LC3B-II/LC3B-I levels in the spinal cord. TEN suppressed PTPN1 protein level, while PTPN1 suppressed IRS1 protein to reduce the p-Akt and mTOR levels. Either PTPN1 overexpression or LY294002 treatment blocked the promoting effect of TEN on SCI recovery. However, treatment with 3-MA suppressed autophagy, which consequently rescued the locomotor function and reduced neuron loss induced by PTPN1. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that TEN suppresses autophagy to promote function recovery in SCI rats by blocking PTPN1 and rescuing the IRS1/Akt/mTOR signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li'e Zang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000, Liaoning, PR China.
| | - Dewang Fu
- Department of Urology Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000, Liaoning, PR China.
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000, Liaoning, PR China.
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000, Liaoning, PR China.
| | - Xue Ma
- Department of Emergency, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121002, Liaoning, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang L, Yan Y, Wu L, Peng J. Natural products in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Novel lead discovery for drug development. Pharmacol Res 2023; 196:106925. [PMID: 37714392 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
With changing lifestyles, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most prevalent liver disease worldwide. A substantial increase in the incidence, mortality, and associated burden of NAFLD-related advanced liver disease is expected. Currently, the initial diagnosis of NAFLD is still based on ultrasound and there is no approved treatment method. Lipid-lowering drugs, vitamin supplementation, and lifestyle improvement treatments are commonly used in clinical practice. However, most lipid-lowering drugs can produce poor patient compliance and specific adverse effects. Therefore, the exploration of bio-diagnostic markers and active lead compounds for the development of innovative drugs is urgently needed. More and more studies have reported the anti-NAFLD effects and mechanisms of natural products (NPs), which have become an important source for new drug development to treat NAFLD due to their high activity and low side effects. At present, berberine and silymarin have been approved by the US FDA to enter clinical phase IV studies, demonstrating the potential of NPs against NAFLD. Studies have found that the regulation of lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation-related pathways may play important roles in the process. With the continuous updating of technical means and scientific theories, in-depth research on the targets and mechanisms of NPs against NAFLD can provide new possibilities to find bio-diagnostic markers and innovative drugs. As we know, FXR agonists, PPARα agonists, and dual CCR2/5 inhibitors are gradually coming on stage for the treatment of NAFLD. Whether NPs can exert anti-NAFLD effects by regulating these targets or some unknown targets remains to be further studied. Therefore, the study reviewed the potential anti-NAFLD NPs and their targets. Some works on the discovery of new targets and the docking of active lead compounds were also discussed. It is hoped that this review can provide some reference values for the development of non-invasive diagnostic markers and new drugs against NAFLD in the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Yonghuan Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Linfang Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Jinyong Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Western 9 Lvshunnan Road, Dalian 116044, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Omale S, Amagon KI, Johnson TO, Bremner SK, Gould GW. A systematic analysis of anti-diabetic medicinal plants from cells to clinical trials. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14639. [PMID: 36627919 PMCID: PMC9826616 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing health emergencies of the 21st century, placing a severe economic burden on many countries. Current management approaches have improved diabetic care, but several limitations still exist, such as decreased efficacy, adverse effects, and the high cost of treatment, particularly for developing nations. There is, therefore, a need for more cost-effective therapies for diabetes management. The evidence-based application of phytochemicals from plants in the management of diseases is gaining traction. Methodology Various plants and plant parts have been investigated as antidiabetic agents. This review sought to collate and discuss published data on the cellular and molecular effects of medicinal plants and phytochemicals on insulin signaling pathways to better understand the current trend in using plant products in the management of diabetes. Furthermore, we explored available information on medicinal plants that consistently produced hypoglycemic effects from isolated cells to animal studies and clinical trials. Results There is substantial literature describing the effects of a range of plant extracts on insulin action and insulin signaling, revealing a depth in knowledge of molecular detail. Our exploration also reveals effective antidiabetic actions in animal studies, and clear translational potential evidenced by clinical trials. Conclusion We suggest that this area of research should be further exploited in the search for novel therapeutics for diabetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simeon Omale
- African Centre for Excellence in Phytomedicine, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Kennedy I. Amagon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Titilayo O. Johnson
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Shaun Kennedy Bremner
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Gwyn W. Gould
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Recent Updates on Development of Protein-Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Inhibitors for Treatment of Diabetes, Obesity and Related Disorders. Bioorg Chem 2022; 121:105626. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.105626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
|
6
|
Mata-Torres G, Andrade-Cetto A, Espinoza-Hernández F. Approaches to Decrease Hyperglycemia by Targeting Impaired Hepatic Glucose Homeostasis Using Medicinal Plants. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:809994. [PMID: 35002743 PMCID: PMC8733686 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.809994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver plays a pivotal role in maintaining blood glucose levels through complex processes which involve the disposal, storage, and endogenous production of this carbohydrate. Insulin is the hormone responsible for regulating hepatic glucose production and glucose storage as glycogen, thus abnormalities in its function lead to hyperglycemia in obese or diabetic patients because of higher production rates and lower capacity to store glucose. In this context, two different but complementary therapeutic approaches can be highlighted to avoid the hyperglycemia generated by the hepatic insulin resistance: 1) enhancing insulin function by inhibiting the protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, one of the main enzymes that disrupt the insulin signal, and 2) direct regulation of key enzymes involved in hepatic glucose production and glycogen synthesis/breakdown. It is recognized that medicinal plants are a valuable source of molecules with special properties and a wide range of scaffolds that can improve hepatic glucose metabolism. Some molecules, especially phenolic compounds and terpenoids, exhibit a powerful inhibitory capacity on protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B and decrease the expression or activity of the key enzymes involved in the gluconeogenic pathway, such as phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase or glucose 6-phosphatase. This review shed light on the progress made in the past 7 years in medicinal plants capable of improving hepatic glucose homeostasis through the two proposed approaches. We suggest that Coreopsis tinctoria, Lithocarpus polystachyus, and Panax ginseng can be good candidates for developing herbal medicines or phytomedicines that target inhibition of hepatic glucose output as they can modulate the activity of PTP-1B, the expression of gluconeogenic enzymes, and the glycogen content.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Adolfo Andrade-Cetto
- Laboratorio de Etnofarmacología, Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
MicroRNA-7a inhibits Isl1 expression to regulate insulin secretion by targeting Raf1 and Mapkap1 in NIT-1 cells. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2021; 57:817-824. [PMID: 34713362 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-021-00611-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Both microRNA-7a (miR-7a) and LIM-homeodomain transcription factor ISL1 are important factors regulating insulin transcription and secretion, but the functional relationship and the interacting mechanisms between miR-7a and ISL1 in pancreatic islet β-cells remain unknown. The aims of this study were thus to identify the potential interactions and signaling communication between miR-7a and ISL1 in regulating insulin transcription and secretion in the cultured NIT-1 cells. The results show that miR-7a inhibitor upregulates Isl-1 and insulin gene expressions, and the insulin secretion. Whereas miR-7a mimics inhibit ISL1 and insulin gene expressions, and decreases the insulin secretion. Furthermore, we identified the target gene of miR-7a using dual-luciferase reporter assay, and the results demonstrate that Raf1 and Mapkap1 is a direct target gene of miR-7a, modeling RAF1/MEK/ERK1/2 and mTORC2/AKT signaling pathway to regulate Isl1 expression, and thus influencing insulin expression and secretion. Our results indicate that therapeutic inhibition of miR-7a function could be of relevance for preserving the function of pancreatic β-cells during the course of diabetes development, implicating miR-7, ISL1, and/or the connecting molecules may act as novel targets for pharmacological or gene therapy in diabetes and related metabolic disease, although much detailed studies are required in the further study.
Collapse
|
8
|
Narayanankutty A. Phytochemicals as PI3K/ Akt/ mTOR Inhibitors and Their Role in Breast Cancer Treatment. Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov 2021; 15:188-199. [PMID: 32914720 DOI: 10.2174/1574892815666200910164641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the predominant form of cancer in women; various cellular pathways are involved in the initiation and progression of breast cancer. Among the various types of breast cancer that differ in their growth factor receptor status, PI3K/Akt signaling is a common pathway where all these converge. Thus, the PI3K signaling is of great interest as a target for breast cancer prevention; however, it is less explored. OBJECTIVE The present review is aimed to provide a concise outline of the role of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in breast carcinogenesis and its progression events, including metastasis, drug resistance and stemness. The review emphasizes the role of natural and synthetic inhibitors of PI3K/Akt/m- TOR pathway in breast cancer prevention. METHODS The data were obtained from PubMed/Medline databases, Scopus and Google patent literature. RESULTS PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling plays an important role in human breast carcinogenesis; it acts on the initiation and progression events associated with it. Numerous molecules have been isolated and identified as promising drug candidates by targeting the signaling pathway. Results from clinical studies confirm their application in the treatment of human breast cancer alone and in combination with classical chemotherapeutics as well as monoclonal antibodies. CONCLUSION PI3K/mTOR signaling blockers have evolved as promising anticancer agents by interfering breast cancer development and progression at various stages. Natural products and bioactive components are emerging as novel inhibitors of PI3K signaling and more research in this area may yield numerous drug candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arunaksharan Narayanankutty
- Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Post Graduate & Research Department of Zoology, St. Joseph's College (Autonomous), Devagiri, Kerala, India
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Huang NC, Huang RL, Huang XF, Chang KF, Lee CJ, Hsiao CY, Lee SC, Tsai NM. Evaluation of anticancer effects of Juniperus communis extract on hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:BSR20211143. [PMID: 34151367 PMCID: PMC8276093 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20211143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and accounts for the fourth leading cause of all cancer deaths. Scientific evidence has found that plant extracts seem to be a reliable choice due to their multitarget effects against HCC. Juniperus communis has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and its anticancer properties have been reported. As a result, the purpose of the study was to investigate the anticancer effect and mechanism of J. communis extract (JCo extract) on HCC in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we found that JCo extract inhibited the growth of human HCC cells by inducing cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, extensive apoptosis and suppressing metastatic protein expressions in HCC cells. Moreover, the combinational treatment of JCo and VP-16 was found to enhance the anticancer effect, revealing that JCo extract might have the potential to be utilized as an adjuvant to promote HCC treatment. Furthermore, in vivo study, JCo extract significantly suppressed HCC tumor growth and extended the lifespan with no or low systemic and pathological toxicity. JCo extract significantly up-regulated the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins and tumor suppressor p53, suppressed VEGF/VEGFR autocrine signaling, down-regulated cell cycle regulatory proteins and MMP2/MMP9 proteins. Overall, our results provide a basis for exploiting JCo extract as a potential anticancer agent against HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nan-Chieh Huang
- Department of Information Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 84001, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Division of Family Medicine, Zuoying Branch of Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81342, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ru-Lai Huang
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi 60002, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Xiao-Fan Huang
- Department of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Kai-Fu Chang
- Department of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chien-Ju Lee
- Department of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chih-Yen Hsiao
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi 60002, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Department of Hospital and Health Care Administration, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan 71710, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Shan-Chih Lee
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Department of Medical Imaging, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Nu-Man Tsai
- Department of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bruder M, Polo G, Trivella DBB. Natural allosteric modulators and their biological targets: molecular signatures and mechanisms. Nat Prod Rep 2020; 37:488-514. [PMID: 32048675 DOI: 10.1039/c9np00064j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Covering: 2008 to 2018Over the last decade more than two hundred single natural products were confirmed as natural allosteric modulators (alloNPs) of proteins. The compounds are presented and discussed with the support of a chemical space, constructed using a principal component analysis (PCA) of molecular descriptors from chemical compounds of distinct databases. This analysis showed that alloNPs are dispersed throughout the majority of the chemical space defined by natural products in general. Moreover, a cluster of alloNPs was shown to occupy a region almost devoid of allosteric modulators retrieved from a dataset composed mainly of synthetic compounds, further highlighting the importance to explore the entire natural chemical space for probing allosteric mechanisms. The protein targets which alloNPs bind to comprised 81 different proteins, which were classified into 5 major groups, with enzymes, in particular hydrolases, being the main representative group. The review also brings a critical interpretation on the mechanisms by which alloNPs display their molecular action on proteins. In the latter analysis, alloNPs were classified according to their final effect on the target protein, resulting in 3 major categories: (i) local alteration of the orthosteric site; (ii) global alteration in protein dynamics that change function; and (iii) oligomer stabilisation or protein complex destabilisation via protein-protein interaction in sites distant from the orthosteric site. G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), which use a combination of the three types of allosteric regulation found, were also probed by natural products. In summary, the natural allosteric modulators reviewed herein emphasise their importance for exploring alternative chemotherapeutic strategies, potentially pushing the boundaries of the druggable space of pharmacologically relevant drug targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marjorie Bruder
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), National Centre for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), 13083-970 Campinas, SP, Brazil.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Li J, Bai L, Wei F, Zhao J, Wang D, Xiao Y, Yan W, Wei J. Therapeutic Mechanisms of Herbal Medicines Against Insulin Resistance: A Review. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:661. [PMID: 31258478 PMCID: PMC6587894 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin resistance is a condition in which insulin sensitivity is reduced and the insulin signaling pathway is impaired. Although often expressed as an increase in insulin concentration, the disease is characterized by a decrease in insulin action. This increased workload of the pancreas and the consequent decompensation are not only the main mechanisms for the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D), but also exacerbate the damage of metabolic diseases, including obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, metabolic syndrome, and others. Many clinical trials have suggested the potential role of herbs in the treatment of insulin resistance, although most of the clinical trials included in this review have certain flaws and bias risks in their methodological design, including the generation of randomization, the concealment of allocation, blinding, and inadequate reporting of sample size estimates. These studies involve not only the single-flavored herbs, but also herbal formulas, extracts, and active ingredients. Numerous of in vitro and in vivo studies have pointed out that the role of herbal medicine in improving insulin resistance is related to interventions in various aspects of the insulin signaling pathway. The targets involved in these studies include insulin receptor substrate, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, glucose transporter, AMP-activated protein kinase, glycogen synthase kinase 3, mitogen-activated protein kinases, c-Jun-N-terminal kinase, nuclear factor-kappaB, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. Improved insulin sensitivity upon treatment with herbal medicine provides considerable prospects for treating insulin resistance. This article reviews studies of the target mechanisms of herbal treatments for insulin resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Litao Bai
- Department of Endocrinology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Wei
- Department of Endocrinology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Danwei Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Xiao
- Department of Endocrinology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weitian Yan
- Department of Endocrinology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Junping Wei
- Department of Endocrinology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|